Personalized sports cap

ABSTRACT

A personalized sports cap is provided that comprises a crown portion with a front surface and a back surface. The headband surrounds the lower edge of the front surface of the crown portion. An opening is provided in the back surface of the crown portion. A back strap is provided below the opening. A picture holder that contains a sport athlete&#39;s photograph is securely attached to the front surface. The picture holder is configured into a shape that visually represents the athlete&#39;s sport. A first indicia means is placed on the picture holder that visually represents the team name of the athlete. A second indicia means is placed on the back surface that visually represents the athlete&#39;s team logo. A third indicia means is placed on the back strap that visually represent the athlete&#39;s name and a fourth indicia means is placed on the on the back surface in close proximity to the athlete&#39;s team logo that visually represent the athlete&#39;s team number.

BACKGROUND

[0001] This invention relates generally to wearing apparel and more specifically to sports caps and related headgear. In the United States, the sale of sports caps is big business for retail stores and athletic department. Sports caps are very popular and worn by many people. Especially popular are sports caps that are adorned with a fan's favorite team logos or Trademarks or names. However, many sports fans would like to have personalized sports caps or hats that represent their favorite professional athlete.

SUMMARY

[0002] The object of this invention is to provide an improved personalized sports cap or hat having the capability of varying the display of trademarks and logos to represent a professional or amateur athlete in a variety of ways. The present invention provides a sports cap that allows an individual to purchase a cap that represents their favorite athlete. A picture holder is securely attached to the front surface of the cap. The picture holder contains the photograph of the athlete and indicia means to represent the team name. On the back surface of the cap is indicia means to represent the team number, athlete name, and team logo. The trademark and logo's are aesthetically arranged on the cap. The present invention is a very powerful advertising device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0003] The novel features which are considered characteristic for the invention are set forth in the claims below. The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation, will be best understood from the following description of the specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.

[0004]FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, a personalized sports cap.

[0005]FIG. 2 a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, a personalized sports cap.

[0006]FIG. 3 is an exploded side view of the present invention.

[0007]FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, a personalized sports cap.

[0008]FIG. 4A is a rear perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention, a personalized sports cap.

DETAILED SPECIFICATION

[0009] Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a front perspective view of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a frontal view of a conventional sports cap (100). The cap (100) is a standard sports cap that can be made of fabric, plastic, or other suitable material. Cap (100) includes a crown portion with a front surface (115) and a back surface (110). Surrounding the front surface (110) is a headband (120) that serves to provide shade against the sun. The back surface (110) further includes an opening (125) that can be round, elliptical or other suitable shape. To interconnect each end of opening (125), strap (130) is provided.

[0010] Further illustrated in FIG. 1 is a picture holder (135) for containing a sport athlete's photograph (137). The picture holder (135) is configured to visually represent the athlete's sport. As shown the picture holder (135) is configured into the shape of a basketball to represent that this particular athlete plays basketball. However, the picture holder can be configured into the shape and color of football, soccer, hockey or other such sport. The configuration of the picture holder changes to represent the type of sports the athlete participates in.

[0011] As illustrated in FIG. 1, on the surface of the picture holder (135), a first indicia means (140) is shown which represent the athlete's team name. The first indicia means (135) are permanent markings which can be embroidered, drawn or place onto the surface of the picture holder (135) by other suitable means. Additionally, the picture holder (135) is securely attached to the front surface (115) of the sports cap (100). The picture holder (135) can be securely attached utilizing lamination, stitching or another suitable means.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the picture holder (135) further comprises a first layer (145) being configured into the shape and color of the athlete's sport. In the illustrated embodiment, the first layer represents a basketball. In the center of the first layer is the photograph (137) of the athlete. The photograph (137) of the athlete can be incorporated into the first layer by photography, digital means, or can be mounted directly upon the first layer. In some specific embodiments, overlaying the athlete's photograph (137) is an opening (150) in the first layer (145). The first layer (145) can be made of paper, plastic, cloth or other suitable material. Overlaying the first layer (145) is a thin transparent protective covering (150) which can be made of plastic or another suitable material. The thin transparent layer is also configured into the shape and color of the athlete's sport. Then, the photograph (137), the first layer (145) and the protective covering (150) are secured in place on the front surface (115) utilizing lamination, stitching or another suitable means. in even more specific embodiments, the present invention can include a second layer behind the third layer to provide extra support. This layer can be a thin cotton or another suitable material.

[0013] Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown an exploded side view of the present invention. The sports cap (100) further includes adjustment means (310) incorporated into each side of the cap. Adjustment means 310 can be made of elastic or other suitable means.

[0014] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a rear perspective view of the illustrated embodiment of the present invention. The back surface (110) of the present invention further includes several indicia means that further personalize the sports cap (100). In the illustrated embodiment, a second indicia means (210) is included on the back surface (110) to visually represent the athlete's team logo (210). A third indicia means (220) is included on the back strap (130) to visually represent the athlete's name. In close proximity to the team's logo (210), a fourth indicia means (220) is shown which visually represents the athlete's team number. The above described indicia means are aesthetically arranged on the back surface (110) of the cap (100). Additionally, the above described indicia means are permanent markings which can be embroidered, drawn or by other suitable means onto the back surface.

[0015] Alternative embodiments of the sports cap (100) can be accomplished by varying the combination of the indicia means. The first, second, third, and fourth indicia means are how the sports cap (100) is utilized to further personalized the sports cap. Thus, each indicia means can be omitted or varied in combination with the other indicia means. The following are a couple of examples of various embodiments:

[0016] 1. team name omitted from the front surface and the back surface remains the same;

[0017] 2. team and place on the back surface in close proximity to the team logo; and

[0018] 3. omitted athlete's name and place team name on the back strap.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown another alternative embodiment of the present invention, a sports hat. Alternative embodiments of the sports hat (400) can be accomplished by varying the combination of the indicia means. As illustrated in FIG. 4, picture holder (135) is on front surface (410) and as illustrated in FIG. 4A indicia means two, three, and four are on back surface (420). As described above, each indicia means can be omitted or varied in combination with the other indicia means. The following are a couple of examples of various embodiments:

[0020] 1. team name omitted from the front surface and the back surface remains the same;

[0021] 2. team and place on the back surface in close proximity to the team logo; and

[0022] 3. omitted athlete's name and place team name on the back surface.

[0023] The invention illustrated and described herein, is not intended to be limited to the details shown, since it will be understood that various omissions, modifications, substitutions, and changes in the forms and details of the device illustrated and its operation can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A personalized sports cap comprising: a crown portion with a front surface and a back surface; the front surface having a headband attached to its lower peripheral edge an opening in the back surface of the crown portion; a back strap below the opening; a picture holder containing a sport athlete's photograph, the picture holder being securely attached to the front surface and being configured to visually represent the athlete's sport; a first indicia means in the picture holder that visually represent the team name of the athlete; a second indicia means on the back surface that visually represent the athlete's team logo; a third indicia means on the back strap that visually represent the athlete's name; and a fourth indicia means on the on the back surface in close proximity to the athlete's team logo that visually represent the athlete's team number, whereby the cap visually advertise the athlete.
 2. The personalized sports cap of claim 1 wherein the picture holder further comprises: a first layer being configured to visually represent the athlete's sport and being adapted to hold the athlete's photograph; and a thin transparent protective covering overlaying the first layer and being securely attached onto the top surface.
 3. The personalized sports cap of claim 2 wherein the first indicia means is on the first layer and visually represent the athlete's team name.
 4. The personalized sports cap of claim 1 further comprising an adjustment means incorporated into the front surface at each lower side edge such that the cap can be dimensioned to fit the wearer's head.
 5. The personalized sports cap of claim 1 further comprising a second extra support layer situated behind the first layer.
 6. A personalized sports cap comprising: a crown portion with a front surface and a back surface; the front surface having a headband attached to its lower peripheral edge; the back surface having an opening with a back strap therebelow; and a picture holder containing a sport athlete's photograph, the picture holder being securely attached to the front surface and being configured to visually represent the athlete's sport.
 7. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising a first indicia means on the picture holder that visually represents the team name of the athlete.
 8. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising a second indicia means on the back surface that visually represent the team logo of the athlete.
 9. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising a third indicia means on the back strap that visually represent the name of the athlete.
 10. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising a fourth indicia means on the on the back surface in close proximity to the athlete's team logo that visually represent the athlete's team number, whereby the cap visually advertise the athlete.
 11. The personalized cap of claim 7 further comprising a second indicia means on the back surface that visually represent the team logo of the athlete.
 12. The personalized cap of claim 11 further comprising a third indicia means on the back strap that visually represent the name of the athlete.
 13. The personalized cap of claim 12 further comprising a fourth indicia means on the back surface that visually represent the team number of the athlete.
 14. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising a first indicia means on the back surface that visually represents the team name of the athlete.
 15. The personalized cap of claim 14 further comprising: a second indicia means on the back surface near the first indicia means, and the second indicia means that visually represents the team logo of the athlete.
 16. The personalized cap of claim 15 further comprising a third indicia means on the back strap that visually representing the name of the athlete.
 17. The personalized cap of claim 16 further comprising: a fourth indicia means on the back surface near the second indicia means, the fourth indicia means visually representing the team number of the athlete.
 18. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising a fourth indicia means on the back surface that visually represent the team number of the athlete.
 19. The personalized cap of claim 18 further comprising a third indicia means on the back strap that visually represents the name of the athlete.
 20. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising a third indicia means on the back strap that visually represents the name of the athlete.
 21. The personalized cap of claim 14 further comprising a fourth indicia means on the back surface that visually represent the team number of the athlete.
 22. The personalized cap of claim 21 further comprising a third indicia means on the back strap that visually represents the name of the athlete.
 23. The personalized cap of claim 14 further comprising a third indicia means on the back strap that visually represents the name of the athlete.
 24. The personalized cap of claim 6 further comprising: at least one indicia means applied singly or in combination in an aesthetic arrangement on the front surface, the picture holder, and/or the back surface; and the at least one indicia means being selected from the group of a first indicia means that visually represent the athlete's team name, a second indicia means that visually represent the athlete's team logo, a third indicia means that visually represent the athlete's name, and a fourth indicia means that visually represent the athlete's team number.
 25. A personalized sports hat comprising: a front portion and a back portion; a headband completely surrounding the lower edge of the front portion and back portion; a picture holder containing a sport athlete's photograph, the picture holder being securely attached to the front surface and being configured to visually represent the athlete's sport; at least one indicia means applied singly or in combination in an aesthetic arrangement on the front surface, the headband, the picture holder, and/or the back surface; and the at least one indicia means being selected from the group of a first indicia means that visually represent the athlete's team name, a second indicia means that visually represent the athlete's team logo, a third indicia means that visually represent the athlete's name, and a fourth indicia means that visually represent the athlete's team number. 